He grinned arrogantly. “That must mean that you conceived—”
“The very first time
we made love.” She pursed her li
ps at his wicked expression, but she was delighted by his reaction. “There is no need to look so smug. It was bound to happen. Men sire offspring every day.”
He dragged her back into the bed and possessively lifted her into his arms. “Not with my wife they don’t. Are you going to get dressed, or shall I explain to our guests that Lady Buchanan is indisposed?”
“Who will rescue you from Philomena Elliot if I don’t?” she asked with a grin. “The poor woman all but published your engagement to her in the papers.”
“I should bring libel charges.” He reached behind him for her petticoats and drawers, forcing himself not to touch her. “Stop torturing me with your body. In fact, if you don’t get dressed right now, the party will have to be canceled, and I mean it.”
Sighing, she dressed in an apple-green silk gown and followed him across the room, pausing halfway to glance around. Several loud taps sounded at the balcony door. “Connor,” she said in a low voice.
“What is it?”
“There’s someone rapping at the balcony door.”
“I can hear that, Maggie. I was hoping we could ignore it.”
“Well, I think you should see who it is. It might be important.”
He frowned and moved around her to open the door. Frosty winter air crept into the room. Connor couldn’t say the intruder’s identity came as much of a surprise. “What do you want, Arthur?”
The Chief grinned and leaned around Connor to wave at Maggie. “I’ve brought ye a wedding present, lad. Sorry it’s a bit late, but I had a job putting it all together.”
“That’s thoughtful of you,” Maggie said, waving back. Connor pulled Arthur into the room. “I hope to God no one saw you. Didn’t it occur to you to knock at the front door like a normal person?”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that, lad,” Arthur said with a deep sigh. “You and I both have our images to uphold.”
Maggie came up behind Connor. “I love presents. What did you bring us?”
“Just a wee gift to welcome ye home.” Arthur opened his heavy black coat to reveal an entire silver service stuffed into the coat’s satin lining. “It might come in handy, Maggie, now that ye’re the Lord Advocate’s wife and have to act as hostess at these fancy parties.”
“Arthur, you are the kindest man.”
“No, he isn’t,” Connor exclaimed, studying the platter Arthur had just unloaded onto the bed. “These are my initials.
This is the service I ordered from the silversmith last month that was stolen from his shop.”
Maggie smiled. “It’s amazing how things work out, isn’t it?”
Arthur placed a gravy boat in Connor’s hand. “I’ll be off now, lad, before I’m caught fraternizing with the enemy. Remember what I said about taking care of Maggie. I’d hate to make yer life hell.”
Then he was gone.
Connor quickly closed the balcony door and ushered Maggie across the room. “Giving me my own stolen silver as a wedding present. The gall of it.”
“Connor.”
“Now what is it, Maggie?”
“The strangest thing.” She drew him back toward the bed, her face lifted in wonder to the wall. “It’s the tapestry. Did you notice that the lion is laughing now? I’m sure he was scowling before.”
He gave her an indulgent look. “Whatever you say, my pregnant little wife. Come on. We’re late.”
He guided her gently ahead of him, stopping in the hall when he noticed the figure staring up at them from the bottom of the stairs. He still hadn’t decided how to deal, with her.
Sheena.
She watched him with sh
ame and hope and a little-girl-
lost look in her eyes. Then Henry, her husband, came up behind her, placing his hand protectively on her shoulder. Connor felt a strange rush of anger and admiration that they thought their love powerful enough to fight him.
“Good evening, your worship,” Henry said with an uncertain smile.
Maggie glanced up at Connor plaintively. “For me,” she whispered.
He sighed. “Good evening, Sheena. Henry. I’m glad you both could come. I—” He glanced at Maggie. “I was wondering whether you would like to live at Kilcurrie until you’re on your feet.”
Donaldson and his mother appeared behind Sheena. Maggie hurried down to join the group, throwing her husband a look of gratitude that melted his heart. But he didn’t follow her, glancing back at his bedchamber door. So much had happened since that first night.
Something drew him back into the room. Frowning, he walked past the bed and stepped closer to the wall. By damn, it hadn’t been Maggie’s imagination.
The lion
was
laughing.
But that wasn’t what impressed Connor at all.
The amazing thing was that he understood exactly why the big beast looked so pleased with himself. He felt the same wicked exhilaration.
He and the tapestry lion shared a secret. They had been tamed by an innocent lady. They had won the love of a woman whom they surely did not deserve.
But, being beasts, they would claim that love anyway.
They would guard their women with their fives, and the many offspring that came of their mating. Possessive husbands, proud and protective papas to their cubs.
After all, the golden threads of the medieval tapestry promised a happy ending to their tale and a love that would endure forever. Their fate had been woven centuries ago, waiting for the perfect moment to unfold.